DALGETY BAY residents still want a B&M store in the town, despite fears over traffic and lost trees.

Plans for the shop in Ridge Way – on the former Dobbies site – were submitted earlier this year and it is expected that it would result in up to 48 full-time and part-time jobs.

It has attracted several objections with concerns over the loss of existing trees and an increase in traffic raised.

However, a post on the What's Happening Dalgety Bay Facebook page showed that local residents still seem to be in favour of the new store.

One person posted: "Definitely. Can’t wait to not have to go to Halbeath or Cowdenbeath and a good store to just wander round" while another added: "Anything that brings in jobs is surely a no-brainer."

Another resident added: "I was expecting work to have started by now. Let's hope it will be open in time for Christmas", while one person said: "I was very angry about losing the trees too but I still want the store bringing in jobs, and stuff I really don't need."

One person wasn't as keen. They said: "OK, unpopular opinion but I don't think we need it. There's one in Dunfermline and one in Cowdenbeath. Both within easy reach. Not going as far as to object, just saying."

A spokesperson for Dalgety Bay and Hillend Community Council said that, when questioned, around 80 per cent of those who responded on social media were in favour of the new store.

"B&M have worked with the community going forward by attending a Q&A by the community council," he explained. "The tree issue came up at the Q&A so B&M addressed that and are planting double the amount of trees at the side of the store and planting trees at the front of the store.

"The traffic concerns in the area were raised long before the B&M application came in – we asked Fife Council for a transport survey but got refused.

"As a community, we would like a traffic system but one that benefits all the retailers. That's why we would like another roundabout installed at Fulmar Way and no turning right into the new B&M store off the first roundabout – this already works in Dunfermline at the Tesco store at Duloch."

The planning application – to demolish existing buildings, erect a retail store with ancillary garden centre, car-parking and servicing areas and associated infrastructure – was submitted to Fife Council's planning department at the beginning of the year.